Mandy Gundersen

For 20 years, Mandy Gundersen taught across a diverse range of secondary schools in New Zealand and overseas, but she was often looking for the next challenge.

At age 40, Mandy enrolled in a Master of Education at the University of Waikato, which encouraged her to “think critically about her own practice and views on the purpose of education”.

“My course has really focused on the impacts of education on society as a whole, and this ability to see a ‘bigger picture’ is definitely an asset for the future.”

Mandy was awarded the University’s Taught Postgraduate Scholarship and Waikato Graduate Women Educational Trust Dr Vivienne Cassie Cooper Award, allowing her to work part-time and study around family commitments.

“Without a doubt, the lecturers have been a highlight; they have been incredibly helpful and presented a range of interesting and relevant readings and ideas to discuss.”

Eventually, Mandy hopes to move into middle management within a high school but hasn’t ruled out further study.